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On a global level, the Online Safety Act 2023 in the United Kingdom (UK) serves as an imporant legislative model for Lebanon. This
law aims to protect both children and adults in the digital space while holding social media companies and search services
accountable for user safety on their platforms. It introduces a new set of obligations, including protecting users of all age groups,
preventing harmful content, and providing reporting mechanisms. It also mandates major platforms to be transparent about the
types of content they allow, and it gives users greater control over the content they view.
The UK's communications regulator, Ofcom, is responsible for enforcing the law as an independent oversight body. It monitors compliance, publishes codes of conduct and guidelines for companies subject to the law, and has broad authority to assess platforms’
adherence to regulations. Ofcom can also impose penalties and substantial fines, including on service providers outside the UK if
they operate within or have links to the country.
The implementation of laws similar to the Online Safety Act in Lebanon faces significant challenges. These include the need for
advanced technological infrastructure, such as specialized applications and software, as well as the risk of these tools being misused
against activists.
Additionally, legal complexities in defining hate speech, concerns over government surveillance, and the challenge of balancing
accountability with individual privacy protections further complicate the process.
In this context, online “targeted advertisements” (Targeted Ads) have emerged as a powerful tool for political disinformation, raising concerns about the influence of digital platforms on elections and their outcomes.
This research aims to propose policies and visions that support legal and protective measures for Lebanese society, while drawing
on international experiences, such as those of the UK, and considering the challenges of implementation in the Lebanese context.
Ultimately, we cannot embark on a path to effectively combat digital violence in Lebanon without adopting a comprehensive,
participatory, and multi-stakeholder approach, which requires institutional, technical, and financial prerequisites.
This can be achieved through organizing focused parliamentary debates with public accessibility for everyone.
Strengthening trust, and enhancing cooperation between public and private institutions, alongside securing the necessary budget
for law enforcement. Beyond that, regarding transparency and accountability, there is a need for an open public dialogue with
civil society communities. Furthermore, there is a need to set an agenda, make and implement decisions, and ensure the
transparency of their application to all stakeholders."
https://natlex.ilo.org/dyn/natlex2/natlex2/files/download/114675/205.pdf
https://www.hrw.org/ar/news/2021/03/05/378078
https://www.openglobalrights.org/human-rights-of-human-resources-workplace-justice-in-lebanon/
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https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/online-safety-act-explainer/online-safety-act-explainer#what-does-the-online-safety-act-do
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